Attracted by its Islamic-European influenced façade, we decided to stop at the Eastern & Oriental hotel just a street behind. The E&O hotel was established in 1885 and hosted distinguished guests the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.

Entering through the hotel via its revolving door was like walking into a bygone era when the British were the masters of Malaya. This hotel has preserved much of the old world charm and reminded us strongly of another grand dame, the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

The cafe was bustling as locals flock to their weekend buffet high tea. The spread was mouthwatering, and we vowed to return the following day to try it. The menu has both local and Western cuisine. We ordered English tea and scones, as befitting the time and place, but could not resist trying their fish and chips as well. The scones were fluffy and moist, served with four different-flavoured jams and whipped cream, while the fish and chips were crisp, fresh, and utterly delicious.

The cafe was cosy, with its coffee-shop setting, high ceiling, and bright natural lighting filtering through its high-panelled glass windows. The service, however, was less than attentive, although friendly. While waiting for the food to be served, we took the opportunity to sneak out to the verandah and were rewarded with a lovely view of the ocean.

We returned the next day but were disappointed to learn that the high tea was not available. Nevertheless, we tried their tiffin set lunch, fish and chips (again), and the teriyaki chicken pizza. We did not leave disappointed.